Monday, April 27, 2026
FOS Expands to TV More Details

CBS Sports Off To Best NFL Television Start in 12 Years

  • Packers-Patriots draws biggest Week 4 audience since CBS’ return to NFL in 1998.
  • NFL on CBS games are averaging 18.559 million viewers through Week 4.
Dan Powers-USA TODAY Sports

Before kicking off NFL’s 2022 season, CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus likened the league to a speeding “freight train” that only gets bigger and faster every year.

At the quarter pole of the season, McManus appears to be as talented at predictions as his star analyst Tony Romo.

CBS is off to its best NFL start in 12 years, with the “NFL on CBS” game telecasts averaging 18.559 million viewers so far this season.

The network’s late Sunday afternoon broadcast of the Green Bay Packers’ 27-24 overtime victory over the New England Patriots at venerable Lambeau Field averaged a whopping 24.647 million viewers. 

That was up 8% from last season’s comparable telecast. It marked CBS’s most-watched Week 4 game window since the network returned to the NFL rotation in 1998.

Meanwhile, Paramount+, which streams live local-market games, is on pace for its most-streamed NFL season ever. 

During Week 4, the platform scored double-digit year-over-year growth in households, minutes and average minute audience (AMA). 

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Dec 22, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) looks on in the second quarter of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

With Tomlin Signed, Philip Rivers Becomes NFL Media’s Top TV Target

The 44-year-old started three games for the Colts last season.

NFL Schedule Release Expected Mid-May, With More Changes

After a record-setting draft, the league’s focus turns to the schedule release.

Heisman Finalist Diego Pavia Goes Undrafted—but Gets Tryout

The former Vanderbilt quarterback remains a free agent.

NFL Draft Draws 805K Fans in Pittsburgh As D.C. Eyes 1M Next

The Western Pennsylvania market beats the event record set two years ago.

Featured Today

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 25: Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever sits on the baseline and makes photographs during the Indiana Pacers game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 25, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Why Athletes Are Moonlighting As Sports Photographers

Athletes are swapping courtside seats for sideline cameras.
Quinnipiac women's varsity rugby
April 21, 2026

The Death of Quinnipiac Women’s Varsity Rugby

The sudden decision at Ilona Maher’s alma mater left players blindsided.
April 17, 2026

The Lawyer Steering the NIL Era

In the new era of college sports, Darren Heitner is everywhere.
blake griffin
April 14, 2026

Inside Blake Griffin’s Rookie Season at Prime Video

The six-time All-Star was initially hesitant to enter the media space.
Oct 9, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Deontay Wilder (red/black trunks) is knocked out by Tyson Fury (black/gold trunks) during their WBC/Lineal heavyweight championship boxing match at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Netflix Continues Boxing Push With Fury–Joshua Superfight

Fury and Joshua have both previously fought on Netflix events.
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey embraces NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after he is selected by the New York Jets as the number two pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
April 23, 2026

NFL Draft’s Shorter Clock Delivers Faster, Tighter First Round

The league shaves more than a half-hour from the first round.
Nick Wright
April 24, 2026

Nick Wright Sounds Off on Off-Air Beefs, On-Air Chemistry

First Things First was recently nominated for its first Emmy.
Sponsored

Why Brandon Marshall Bet on Athlete-Owned Media

Brandon Marshall on athlete media, life after football, building I AM ATHLETE.
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel walks on field before Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
opinion
April 23, 2026

From Denials to Damage Control: Hubris Haunts Vrabel and Russini

New photos from 2020 show Vrabel and Russini appearing to kiss.
April 23, 2026

New Photos of Vrabel, Russini at NYC Bar Leak Hours Before Draft

The photos were taken at a New York City bar in 2020.
Apr 19, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) reacts to a call by an official during the second half of game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Portland Trail Blazers at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
April 23, 2026

NBA Playoffs Opening Weekend Is Second-Most-Watched Since 2011

The opening weekend of the NBA Playoffs averaged 4.3 million viewers.
Zaslav
April 23, 2026

WBD Shareholders Approve Sale, Reject Pay Package for Zaslav

The combined company would have one of the largest sets of sports rights in the industry.